Matthew 3:16, “When Jesus had been baptized, He came up immediately from the water; and behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting upon Him.”

For those of my generation, you’re probably like me, thinking of a song. In my memories, I can still hear my Mom and Dad singing this song. In a way, it fits this devotion; in a way, it doesn’t, but I’m gonna use it anyway!

Have you ever wondered why the Holy Spirit first appears in the New Testament as a dove? Wouldn’t it have been more impressive for the Spirit to come like an eagle, suggesting power and might?

The answer lies in a prophecy in Isaiah 42, where God introduces His “Servant” and promises to place His Spirit on Him, sending Him forth to bring justice to the nations. How? Not through power and might, but through the Servant’s purity, gentleness, and humility: “A bruised reed He will not break, and a smoldering wick He will not snuff out.” (Isaiah 42:3)

This prophecy is fulfilled, in part, at Jesus’ baptism when the Holy Spirit descends as a dove. God the Father confirms His mission when He says, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” God the Father said these identical words on the Mount of Transfiguration, but He added, “Listen to Him.” We hear this in Jesus’ own words: “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

Through the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives, we can have that peace that passes understanding and reconciliation with God the Father, that comes from knowing Jesus. Let Him rest upon you today.